Can for kerosene or other in flam iv



(No Model.)

T. MEDFORD. GAN FOB. KBROSENE OR OTHER INFLAMMABLE FLUIDS. No. 431,906.I Patented July 8, 1-896,

W I'INESSESZ I INVEN'IOR MM fzamw W14 .vftiorney' UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE.

THOMAS MEDFORD, OF HUNTINGTON, VEST VIRGINIA.

CAN FOR KEROSENE OR OTHER INFLAMMABLE FLUIDS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 431,906, dated July 8,1890.

Application filed March 24, 1890. Serial No. 345,141. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, THOMAS MEDFORD, of I'Iuntingtoinin the county ofOabell and State of \Vcst Virginia, have invented a new and usefulImprovement in Safety-Cans for Kerosene or other Inflammable Fluids,which improvement is fully set forth in the following specification andaccompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a vertical sectional viewof my improved safety-can, and Fig. 2 a side elevation of the same.

My invention relates to improvements in cans or receptacles for keroseneor other inflammable fluids, and its object is to provide a simple,cheap, and safe device especially designed for saturating kindling-wood.It is admitted that, notwithstanding the frequent and disastrousconflagrations and loss of life caused by accidental explosion orignition of kerosene when used for kindling fires, the practicecontinues and is evidently increasinginstead of diminishing. Theconvenience and efficiency of kerosene as a kindler overcome all senseof .danger and hold out a temptation that proves irresistible.

My invention consists of a can or vessel so constructed that whensupplied with kerosene or other inflammable fluid pieces ofkindling-wood may be easily introduced and saturated. lVhen they arewithdrawn, an automatic valve is released and completely closes thevessel, and the contents cannot escape or become ignited even if thevessel'should be inverted or accidentally overturned in any position.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, A designates the base of thevessel or can, having a vertical tube B inserted therein and supportedby a collar 0. The upper part of the tube is enlarged, forming the mainbody or bowl D of the can. This connects at its upper end by means ofthe flange F with the opposite inner chamber E, which chamber is thussupported by said flange. The lower edge of this flange forms an openingG with the can,which opening is normally closed by an inwardly-openingvalve H, controlled by a spring I. It will be seen that the valve opensdownwardly and yields to the pressure when the kindling-wood isinserted. A few moments suflice to saturate the wood. When it iswithdrawn, the valve follows and promptly closes the opening G. If thecan should be overturned, the interspace J receives and retains thefluid.

That I claim as new is 1. A safety-can for kerosene or other inflammablefluids, consisting of a vertical tube enlarged at its upper part andconnecting at the top by means of a flange with and thereby supportingan inner chamber, the lower edge of which forms an opening into the can,and a spring-controlled valve normally clos ing this opening,substantially as specified.

2. A kerosene-can having its upper part D enlarged and rigidly securedthereto, the internal open-top chamber, the lower end of which isadapted to be opened to form an exit for the oil, but normally is closedby a springcontrolled valve, all substantially as and for the purposesset forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand,this 19th day of March, 1890, in the presence of witnesses.

THOMAS MEDFORD.

\Vitnesses .T. W. EENNETT, J. B. SMITH.

